Membrane for the Separation of a Mixture of a Polar Fluid and a Non-Polar Fluid and Methods for Use Thereof

Abstract

A composite fluid separation membrane includes a separation layer on a porous support layer where the separation layer comprises a cross-linked polysiloxane copolyether.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 971,821 filed Mar. 28, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the separation of a polar fluid from a non-polar fluid using a fluid separation membrane.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]There is a variety of fluids that include polar and non-polar components in which it is desirable to separate the polar component from the non-polar component with the use of membranes, whether the membrane is a gas separation membranes or a pervaporative membrane.[0006]One type of fluid including both polar and non-polar components is flue gas. Depending upon the type of oxidant used to combust the fuel and produce the flue gas, the flue gas can contain anywhere from 4-80% CO2 along with minor yet sometimes significant amounts of SO2 and NO pollutants. By NO...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a new type of membrane that can separate fluids. It consists of a layer made up of a special type of polymer material that is supported by a layer made from a porous material. This membrane has certain molecular segments that make it effective at separating fluids. The patent also includes a detailed description of the structure of the membrane. The technical effects of this membrane are better oil and gas separation, as well as improved purification of industrial chemicals.

Problems solved by technology

However, the use of a De-NOx column still presents the challenge of dealing with the NO2-enriched liquid bottom from the column.

While the approaches disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,708,804 do present reasonable solutions for removal of the NO from the CO2, each approach exhibits a disadvantage.

Furthermore, the relatively higher acid gas content of the flue gas being compressed will produce a greater amount of acid gas condensate in the compressors, subjecting the compressors and driers to a more severe acidic attack in comparison to the absence of a NO2 recycle stream.

This more acidic attack may lead to a decreased useful lifetime for the compressors or require the compressor to be constructed of a more costly material that is sufficiently resistant to such acid fluids.

The use of wash column would result in significant CO2 losses unless the post-wash column fluid was recycled to the compressor.

Reduction of NO2 in the flame of a burner still results in significant CO2 losses.

However this technology is highly energy intensive and is not environmentally friendly.

This non-polar characteristic of sylgard compromises the net separation characteristics of composite membrane.

However these blended materials are mechanically weak.

The material CO2 / N2 permeability-selectivity does not appear to be commercially viable.

However, these blend materials are expected to have the same weakness as the U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,740 approach.

Images